The 2003 Louisiana Gubernatorial Race declared Kathleen Blanco the first female Governor in state history.  The race was considered a victory for women across the state.  I however was not impressed.  I supported Bobby Jindal; a candidate whose views best reflected my personal, political and social ideology.  Similar to the coverage of Nanci Pelosi's election, news media fanatically hailed Blanco for overcoming the odds and moving the feminism forward.  Blanco was seen as a history making Governor before her first day on the job.

Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma tried and tested local, state and federal agencies. The tragedy continues to do so.  Louisiana under Kathleen Blanco’s administration has fallen behind the curve.  The initial excitement over Blanco's election has been drowned out by the aftermath of the storms.  Many women voted for Blanco because she was a woman.  Unfortunately this action promotes the sexual discrimination our society is fighting against.  A women who votes for a female candidate simply based on her gender, is equally as sexist as a man who votes for a man because he will not vote for a women.

Despite an individual's tendency to promote people of similar sex, the decision does not further the feminist movement.  We need great female leaders to further the cause.

If America wants to move beyond a sexually oppressive past, the political focus must not revolve around a candidate's gender.  If women are truly equals to men, why are we so intrigued by a women in power? 

The true end of the sexual revolution will be marked by a return to the issues.  Great female leaders will be simply great leaders.  The sex of a candidate will not be a historical milestone.  Female candidate will renounce their ability to speak for all women and again speak for the people.  Men have learned that gender is not an issue and feel women are equals. I only wonder when women will join the bandwagon and stop waving the weaker sex banner.

But no one listens to me

-Patriotic Progeny

Posted: 06/04/07